I got this message on my guestbook:

Soraya, my only comments would be to tell you that your website is great, but that I just wanted to let you know that I fight as a lion against the word "inmates" that is even not in a dictionnary. It is a DOC's word. We shouldn't talk about the prisoners with names given by the prison system... Only my thoughts.
Go on! Keep up the great work

and would like your thoughts on this? Since I've read it, I only use the word 'prisoners' anymore

She has a point. I juggled the use of these two terms myself and usually came back to prisoner being the only correct version. Beleive it or not though, quite a few prisoners would rather be called inmates. I did some polling while I was still in.

I never really knew others had an issue with the word "inmate"... thanks for educating me!! I always use that word.... perhaps because I used to work on the inside?!? However, the guys I knew referred to themselves that way too... I guess it was just used so commonly there....

yeah, most of the guys I write use the term inmates too....but i thought she had a good point. so where better to post it then here huh? I'd like to find out other peoples thoughts about this

I THINK IT IS A MATTER OF OPINION-PERSONALLY I PREFER INMATE TO PRISONER, BUT THAT IS JUST A PERSONAL PREFERENCE- IT IS MUCH LIKE THE BIG DEBATE ABOUT MENTALLY RETARDED, DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED, MENTALLY CHANLLENGED...ETC. AS LONG AS THE TERM IS NOT DEMEANING OR OFFENSIVE I THINK IT SHOULD BE UP TO THE PERSON'S PREFERENCE

Break the word down. "IN" meaning inside "mates" meaning living together.

Kidnapping makes a person a "prisoner" (confinded against there will) so that word could be used in a lot of cases besides prison's.

What are they talking about? Inmates is in the dictionary. I would rather use that than prisoner.

i to would prefer to use inmate to prisoner. prisoner sounds so bad.. I guess it is personal preference

Prisoner and Inmate both sound the same to me.

Hey....how about we just use their names?

Sounds good to me Joy!! If I can't use a specific name though is something I may be talking about...I would rather use the word inmate.

Diona

I will continue to use Inmate. Both the words stink, but at least Inmate sounds a little more humane.....

Donna

i agree donna good point...

I say inmates but when Wayne refers to anybody else in prison, he calls them convicts or cons. He doesn't use either term.

>>>he calls them convicts or cons<<<

A term used in reguards to the hard core?

I'm not sure - could just be an old term.

ath calls them inmates. i have heard people refer to inmates as convicts on several occacisions

I AM GOING TO ASK RON WHAT HE THINKS ALTHOUGH MY GUESS IS HE REALLY DOESN'T CARE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER

I know 'my boys' always refer to other inmates as 'inmates' or 'we're the blue ones, the COs are the green ones'

I'll also ask them

On the use of inmate. This is how its used in calif. prisons. Everyone locked up is a prisoner. Inmates are guys who are useually first termers, it can also denote someone who is not real familiar with how to do time. All Lames are inmates but not all inmates are Lame. Convicts are guys who have done enough time that they know whats up, they know how to do time.

Hoo boy. Just to add to the kerfuffle, up here in Canada we also use the words "Offenders" and "Young Offenders" for those under the age of 18.

Menolly

I use both, depending on who I'm talking to and what we're talking about.

Thank you Creamy and shortie. that is how i feel too. prisoner sounds so bad. and not all are that bad. i prefer to use inmate. it sounds a lot better. :)

Perhaps this should be a poll???

Personally I prefer "Inmate" and I usually capitalize it too. Prisoner seems to be a hard word and Inmate seems softer?

To expand on my earlier post, if you notice I always refer to everyone locked up as a prisoner. Inmate at least out here, & amongst the convicts, there is a big difference between an inmate & a convict. A convict can & many do take being called an inmate as a derogitory putdown. So to be safe I give everyone the respect by calling them prisoners. If I use the term inmate it's for a specific reason. I'm probaby putting alot on this. As I have said before prisons & prisoners aren't like they use to be. It probably doesn't mean as much now as it use to, also it's probably not as big a deal on a 1 yard as it would be on a 4 yard.--------Convict Ken

I've been penpals with a NJ political prisoner, Ojore Lutalo, for the past 7 years. He wrote the following [published in one of our organization's newsletters] about the issue of the use of the terms, inmate vs. prisoner. I think it's good food for thought...
"The vast majority of prisoners [especially politically conscious prisoners] resent being referred to as “inmates” because we are being detained as prisoners, which means against our will. The word “inmate” is mostly used by prison functionaries, attorneys [not progressive lawyers] and whoever else is employed in the so-called field of corrections….

It is very important to acknowledge how languages become sterilized and de-radicalized, and that soon, the wardens [including some of the prisoners themselves] could be referring to the prisoners as, “residents”, as if we were on “vacation” or something else in that regard.

Penologists control prisons, and it’s their goal to distort. Labeling prisons as “correctional facilities” as opposed to prisons and penitentiaries, or identifying prisoners as “inmates” or “residents” is their endeavor to lull the general public into thinking that conditions in captivity are humane, and that the wardens operating the prisons [spelled, “concentration camps”] are caring human beings, and the captive audience being detained were/are being rehabilitated and not actually being punished as the supporters of prisoners out there in the communities at-large are asserting.

Prison wardens are referred to as superintendents or administrators. Prison security guards are referred to as “correctional officers” because such titles sound more humane and less threatening.

Again, by giving prisons and prisoners a less radical label they hope people in the community will forget about all of the inhumane conditions of prison."

Ojore N. Lutalo, a New Afrikan Political Prisoner, has been held in the New Jersey State Prison’s Management Control Unit for over 17 years--he was recently released to general population this past Spring

i alwasy use the word inmate, i rather use that then " con" i hate that word, it is so degrading.

Hi! egs,

Thanks for sharing your pen pals thoughts. He has a very interesting way at looking at it. we sure would not want people in the community to forget about bad conditions.
I never really thought much about it but inmate does sound
nicer than prisoner and prison conditions are definatley not very nice.

I see the word "prisoner" as a war term. We take "prisoner" not inmates or con's.

This has been a really interesting discussion and I had never even considered that the word "Inmate" was anything but acceptable...

Last night I talked to my Partner and asked for the first time... He does not want to be referred to as an "Inmate" and confirmed that it is derogatory. In his Prison, it would more refer to a Prisoner that is a "rat" and therefore not something that you want to be labeled as...

I guess that I am changing to Prisoner!

This is a pretty interesting thread. I can only talk about Calif. prisons with any authority, because thats where I have done all my time. I have talked to people in other state prisons, but I will leave this to people who know more than me. I was taught how to do time the old school way. The words we use have a certain meaning. I agree with the former post that brought up the "New Speak" theory of using non-threatening words to describe prisons, & prisoners. I was taught, & I have confirmed this the last few days by talking to some convict friends of mine. There is a difference between an inmate, a prisoner, & a convict. Some words my sound better than others but it still doesn't negate the meanings these words have. In the last 10 years or so Calif. prisons were flooded with people on drug charges, first termers, in general not your average prisoner, or convict. So these words haven't been adheard too as much as they use to be. It's almost to the point where they are interchangeable.

Inmate---A first termer, who is learning the ropes as to what to do & what not to do. They don't know how to do time. They make mistakes, & will get you, & themselves in a wreck. Some inmates are lames. guys who don't have a clue as to whats going on, & probably never will. All lames are inmates, but not all inmates are lame. With enough schooling an inmate will learn the ropes, & know whats up, & then will be considered a prisoner instead of an inmate. This schooling use to take place in the county jail before most guys ever got to the joint, but this isn't always the case anymore.

Prisoner---This is the average person in prisons. This guy knows how to do time, & knows whats up. He knows the rules of the prison, & of the yard (The prisoners rules), & wont cause a wreck. Prisoners go to work, take care of their business, stay out of the mix, know whats expected of them if crap comes down, but otherwise mind their own business. Convicts who don't want to be in the mix anymore are also prisoners.

Convict---This is a guy who is involved in the politics of the yard. He's up to his neck in the mix. Most are prison gang members, but not all. These are the hard core guys on a yard. They not only follow the rules, they make the rules. They run soldiers, do soldiering, enforce the rules. They oversee the running of the yard, & see that the inmates are schooled on the rules of the yard. These guys can be your worst enemy. They don't care about going to the hole, or getting into trouble. They will handle their business, & take the consequences of their actions.

So as you can see the words that are used have a meaning, regarless of how they "sound". Most prisoners, & all convicts will take being called an inmate as a putdown. Because the word inmate is used so much now days, they don't take it as personal as they once might have. If you call me an inmate, I'll correct you, as most others will too. We understand that many people don't know the difference, so it's no big deal, as they don't mean to be derogatory, or putting us down. We ussually correct the person, then just let it slide.


TEB, I'm glad to hear that you'll be using the term prisoner, out of respect to your friend. That shows heart. LIke I said, it's probably not that big a thing anymore, just to us old cons, & prisoners. ----------Ken

Ken,

Thanks for your detailed breakdown of the words - this helps a lot. I discussed this last night with my Partner but didn't want to take up valuable phone time to get the whole run down and we will discuss it more in my next visit.

Yes, I will from now on out of respect use the term Prisoner, but as you said the word Inmate is so widely used now that even I may slip! Do I think that anyone means any harm by using it? NO, of course not.

It is however interesting because there are other words out there in our current day society that have in the past been acceptable but are not now. Words that can are racist and derogatory that are Ok within that group but not outside of it. I think all know what words I mean without naming them - "cause I am not going to! LOL

This is interesting because even amoungst the membership here there are varying opinions and thoughts!

Thanks Ken!

I agree with budwoman (Donna). Inmate sounds more humane. Prisoner sounds more negative. just my 2 cents....

Craig never refers to himself or any of his friends in there as inmates. It's always prisoners or convicts. But I guess he's old school, he's been in there for a while.

Teb,

Your absolutly right. Everyone I've talked to convicts & prisoners, know that no one means anything by calling someone an inmate, & thats why many of us just let it go. We don't take it personal, & when we do correct someone we do it civily.

Also about other words being used. In Calif prisons white guys are called "woods" which is short for "peckerwood" which is also used. Peckerwood is a derogatory term from the south, along the same lines as "White trash", but it is completely acceptable to use. ----------Ken

From a prison guard's view
Inmate is a person that is in everyone's buisness. Causing trouble for the officers and prisoners. Usually is moraless enough for being a snitch and most times will snitch. Is usually a non-loyal homosexual that has as many lovers as packs of cigarettes. Sells all information for a price. Causes disturbances with their stupidity. Creates rumors for attention.

Convict is a person that has settled into the System's routine; institutionalized. Has lost most "freeworld contact" whom is of relation/kin. Hustles without needing outside support except after a disaster such as "box" theft of all store goods, but usually borrows from other convicts through reputation and respect developed. Will not snitch nor get involved in "police work". Aids others when needed or asked without expecting gratuity. Creates disception/ illusions when hiding contraband; "Right under your nose." Carries self with dignity, speaks of only things of personal knowledge, and does not involve self in the other's buisness unless asked.

Prisoner is someone whom has been placed in captivity against will. Abides by the rules for self-gain, and peace of mind. Content with environment because no other situation is better. Will escape from captivity when given a chance because support remains or still believes that there is hope on the outside. Can hustle without needing outside support through legitimate buisness transactions such as hobbycrafts, leather goods, and artistic talents. Usually knowledgeable of the Constitutional laws and institutional rules. Usually abides by the rules without giving argument, but will voice opinion if asked. Quiet. Clean. Well groomed. Neat. Careful. Intelligent. Easy leaner. First time incarcerated usually a spir-of-the-moment crime such as murder, manslaughter, crime of passion type crimes, and "white collar" crimes. Liked by the officers and staff because minimum supervision is required. Very adaptable to any environment.

Inmate, prisoner, and convict are all words used when referring to the incarcerated. Some inmates are so busy with daily havoc that they never realize nor hear someone referring to them as such. Prisoners do not react toward name calling unless it reflects upon them. Convicts will kill you, if they believe you were being derogatory toward them and quick correcting the speaker.

We live in a society that now listens to every type word spoken and decides rather they like it or not. Everyone is a judge which sensors conversation, humor, and other actions. Some people speak out about what they dislike and cause a commotion. Some people disregard or ignore the disliked behaviors except when it pertains to them. The situation is usually the main factor that provokes a judgement and an opinion.
I once used the words interchangeably until I learned the difference through observation. I avoid the word inmate when speaking with a prisoner from fear of offending. I use the word inmate occasionally when referring to a prisoner or a prison situation, but never intend on the word depicting a person's character. I do not use racial slangs that provoke anger because of my need for receiving respect; the give/receive school of thought. I never declared an incarcerated person any of the three description and usually called them by name when their name was known. I guess I became a "prisoner" as I learned more about human nature, prison life, and incarcerational function.

Digression: The modern terms such as Correctional Facility, Correctional Officer, resident , etc. were developed as the psychologist became more influential in the penal setting. These experts thought that developing more "humane" words would set the stage for a less threatening environment. They believe that harsh environments breed misbehavior, violence, and more aggressive people; the incorrigible. They suggested that changing the terminology would begin the process of swinging the pendulum toward rehabilitation. The Federal Government got on the campaign and passed laws that changed job descriptions, job titles, and penal names. The officers were no longer prison guards nor were the incarcerated considered the "convict-ed". The words inmate, correctional officer, correctional counselor, facility, resident, and other less intimidating words evolved. The people within the prisons began changing, guards, staff, and the incarcerated, but some may never change. Some people only know violence, aggression, reputation, status, and other more threatening behavior. Some prisoners refuse because "It came from the ones whom think they are in authority or are the authority." Some guards and other staff refuse because they believe , "They are the authority. Live a higher status and place the incarcerated below them. They believe that they must create intimidation, fear, and thoughts of bad consequence from fear of loosing control, decreasing their reputation, and many other down right evil thoughts. Some inmates and prison undesirables including staff only know evil thoughts and behavior. Like my grandmother would say, "They have the devil in them and will never change until they see theirself and realize how they are acting." Some people never get the chance of changing because they are killed or cause their own death by acting so irrational and non-concerned. These are the people that make the correctional employment and living environment a totally different world which "less threatening" words were created....................... In my humble opinion, 38 Special. ....

38 great post as ussual. It's nice to hear a slightly different take on this subject. One of the things I really like about PTO is finding out how things are in other places, & how others think on different subject, & yes especially from "A Guards Perspective". I love to learn things from others.

Regarding your statement about a "convict will kill you", is not an exageration. If I was doing time, & someone called me a derogatory name, & ment it, the law of the yard say's I have to hurt him, & in that circumstance death is always a possibility. It's interesting that even in your definition an inmate is someone who will cause a wreck, & the bad thing about that is they ussually take someone down with them.

Thanks for the insight--------Ken

Well, I just might get all know'd up on this stuff yet. Believe me, I'd rather get this stuff 2nd handed! :-)

Danielle was on target when she talked about Mississippi inmates using the term " convicts". They still do that. I think it is a way to try to laugh at the situation they are in.

38

I LOVE YOUR DESCRIPTION. AND HOW RIGHT YOU ARE... IF YOU REALLY LOOK, YOU CAN SEE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ON THE YARDS OF DIFFERENT PRISONS..

AS ALWAYS, THANKS BIG GUY FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE..

LOVE YA
DONNA

Just thought that I would surface this discussion thread again since it has been brought up again...

This was an interesting discussion.

teb- good job-u r always on top of things!!

...in my humble experience... Prisoner is what you are when there is a waistchain or blackbox involved. For transport,... you are the prisoner. Where I was, (a Women's prison that only ever had one warden since it was divested from the Men's institution....) efforts and policies were made (by the lady warden) to stick to INMATE for official purposes,..write up states.. Inmate Thusandsuch was observed doing....whatever. At every other pass, we were RESIDENTS.
"The Library is NOW open for Residents".... It wasn't just a girlthing, either. It was actually observed in other institutions to some extent. Some of that had to do with Resident Legal Aids.

Well for me I prefer prisoner and convict to inmate. I just dont like inmate it dont sound right to me. I guess its cause he's like my soulmate and no he cant be any other kind of 'mate' I cant refer to him as an inmate. Even in his letters he refers to him self as a convict. Well thats my 2 cents. cool thread

I agree that it is a personal preference, I use imate, I don't like the sound of prisoner and especially don't like the sound of convict.

When I was locked up, we were always called inmates! (just to share)

I was talking to Dale this morning :):):) (sorry, always have to smile after talkin to him)... but we talked shortly about his criminal past. I made the comment that his criminal past is a part of who he is... those experiences have made him the man he is today. Well, he said... I don't want to be called a criminal, I'd rather just be called a 'screw up'. Ok, I know that sounds harsh, but that's what he said.
I told him I didn't like the idea of calling him a screw up... and he said he'd rather be called a 'screw up' before he would a criminal.

Well, who'd of thunk it? So, I just call him my baby, and leave it at that! :)

Jodygirl

'Offender' is what is on my son's prison ID. I guess that's the new politically correct term.

But for me, I call him 'son'.